1940 Salesman Sample Embroidered Dutch Boy Fingertip Guest Towel

This rare embroidered birdseye cotton guest or fingertip towel was a salesman or store sample for Wonder Art, makers of stamped embroidery linens. The 16" by 22" towel has an embroidered cross stitch design of a Dutch boy with potted tulips and a fence or rail background done in orange-red and two shades of blue. The scalloped hem is finished with white crocheted lace edging.

A sturdy cardboard paper tag is stapled to a lower corner of the towel which reads "Trade-Mark Wonder Art, Sample Model No. 372, Not For Sale, Worked With Perlene Embroidery Cotton". Stamped in red on the tag is the date Jul 15 1940. The towel has no holes or tears but there is some light soiling near the design area and along the fold lines.